Dental appliance with anti-microbial additive

ABSTRACT

A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete having an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further having a first layer of a durable, resilient material; a second layer of non-softenable, flexible material; a third layer of a hard, very durable material; and a fourth layer of a softenable material, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An expandable serpentine bridge may be embedded in the arch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a performance enhancing and forceabsorbing quadruple composite dental appliance for use by athletes, andmore particularly to such an adjustable, customizable appliance thatspaces apart the teeth to absorb shock and clenching stress, to spaceapart the anterior teeth of the lower and upper jaws to facilitatebreathing and speech, to lessen condyle pressure, force and impact uponthe cartilage and temporomandibular joints, the arteries and the nerves,and to further increase body muscular strength and endurance.

Almost all athletes, such as body builders, weight lifters, baseballbatters, golfers, football players, hockey players and bowlers, clenchtheir teeth during exertion which results in hundreds of pounds ofcompressed force exerted from the lower jaw onto the upper jaw.

This clenching force is unevenly transmitted through the jaw structureinto the connective tissues and muscles of the lower jaw and furtherinto the neck and back. This can result in headaches, muscle spasms,damage to teeth, injury to the temporomandibular joint, and pain in thejaw. Furthermore, clenching the teeth makes breathing more difficultduring physical exercise and endurance when breathing is most important.

The natural inclination to clench the jaw during physical exertion isimpossible to avoid. One theory is that this is an ancient reflexdesigned to protect the caveman's jaw from displacement or fracture. Aninjury to ancient man's jaw meant almost certain death from starvation.Man still instinctively clenches his teeth to lock his jaw into a safeposition during aggression or physical activity to protect his jaw. Butwhen the teeth are clenched, the body puts an upper limit on one'sstrength so that one can't overclench and damage one's teeth and jawstructures.

There are over 60 million overweight Americans today. Spending in thediet aid category equals $1.06 billion annually. Research shows that useof a dental appliance to prevent damage to the teeth during clenchinghelps to increase the productivity of an aerobic workout by increasingendurance and muscle activity and therefore calorie burn.

More than 80% of the population has some measure of improper jawalignment, causing painful chewing, tooth grinding, migraine headaches,stress or several of these problems at once. The temporomandibular (TM)artery runs directly through the TM joint. This main artery carriesoxygenated blood to the arteries in the face and head. When the TM jointis properly balanced, blood flows freely to these areas, which isbelieved to lessen the incidence of headache and stress. When the TMjoint is out of balance or improperly aligned, undue stress is placed onthis vital artery and the corresponding muscle groups.

Each year, reports the Journal of the American Dental Association,dentists make approximately 3.6 million anti-bruxing devices for theirtooth grinding patients. Sizing and fitting in the past has requireddental assistance. At an average cost of $275 (but sometimes muchhigher), this equates to a one billion dollar market. Nocturnal toothgrinding is a major pain—powerful enough to crack a walnut at 250 poundsper square inch, the pressure is ten times the force registered duringnormal chewing. Bruxing causes the teeth to wear down at odd angles,affecting the shape of the face, causing migraine headaches and musclesoreness and aggravating TMJ disorders.

The market for over-the-counter analgesics in the U.S. was $2.91 billionin 1996. An estimated 18 million people suffer from migraine headaches,another 6 million form back and neck pain. While almost 3 millionAmericans are treated annually by pain clinics, many more remain in needdue to inadequate insurance or denial of benefits for such treatment.Studies have shown that increasing the blood flow to the arteries of theface can help reduce headache pain. Repositioning the jaw by a dentalappliance to alleviate stress and pain acts as a drug-free remedy tomillions of stress and headache sufferers by temporarily restoring bloodflow to the face and head.

It is well known that the birthing process creates a tremendous amountof physiological and psychological stress upon the mother. In fact,pregnant women go through weeks, if not months, of physical exercise toprepare them for the exertions necessary during the birth of theirchild. The actual birthing process is very analogous to athletes aswomen about to give birth may very well clench their teeth during theexertion of labor.

Rehabilitation relative to heart attacks, operations and injuries alsorequire exertion and can be facilitated by an increased blood flow tothe brain and return back to good conditioning with exercise.

Snoring occurs when the mouth is open and the tongue moves back into thethroat. This causes the airway passage to narrow which increases thelikelihood of snoring. It is known that moving the condyle of the lowerjaw forward in a way will increase the airway and assist in theelimination of snoring.

It is believed that consciousness and the ability to focus is increasedwith an object in the mouth. This causes one to salivate, focus and bemore awakened with improved concentration, hand eye coordination, andeven thought process which otherwise would be non-voluntary reactions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,687 discloses a singular material performanceenhancing dental appliance. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,865,619 (the '619 patent)and 6,012,919 (the '919 patent) disclose a triple composite performanceenhancing dental appliance. Applicant has found that the embodiments ofthe '687 patent, the '619 patent and the '919 patent have severaldeficiencies that Applicant has corrected in the instant invention.

Most importantly, many problems exist with prior dental applianceshaving posterior pads and a connective arch. Labial or buccal walls didnot accept wide teeth, were bulky and had sharp edges. Arches mediallylocated across the palate caused gagging and speech impediments, as wellas fitting problems. Weak arches cause the appliances to collapse andpermit the pads to touch and stick together upon removal from hot water.Thus, fitting of such appliances has always been a problem. Wideposterior teeth and deep and shallow palates required multiple sizeswhich were difficult for the consumer to choose from, let alone fit.Delamination and chewing destruction caused short life.

The present invention solves the prior art problems and discloses anappliance suitable for all the above needs and uses, plus many more,which will be appreciated with a review of the specification, claims andfigures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted tolie within the mouth of an athlete consists of occlusal posterior padsmade of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinctmaterials and a connective arch. The first bottom layer traction pad isof a durable, resilient elastomeric gripping material. The second layeris of non-softenable, flexible, shape maintaining framework materialthat is expandable and contractable. The third layer is of a hard, verydurable wedge-shaped bite plate material. The fourth arch layer is of asoftenable material, moldable to fit and grip the posterior teeth andanterior palate. The fourth material substantially encloses theappliance. The four materials are physically interlocked. Ananti-microbial agent may be added to the materials.

A principal object and advantage of the present invention is that theappliance protects the teeth, jaws, gums, connective tissues, back, headand muscles from teeth clenching forces typically exerted duringathletic activity and birthing.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that itfacilitates breathing and speech during strenuous physical activity suchas in power lifting or bodybuilding.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that theappliance places the lower jaw in the power position moving the condyledownwardly and forwardly away from the nerves and arteries within thefossae or socket to raise body muscular strength, greater endurance andimproved performance by the appliance user.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that theappliance is customizable to fit the width and configurations of theupper posterior teeth and the palate structure of any user. Teeth width,spacing from one side of the mouth to the other side of the mouth andpalate height vary substantially from person to person.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that it allowsthe wearer to increase effort and calorie burn during a workout bypreventing the clenching reflex from limiting bodily strength andendurance.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that itprevents grinding of the teeth (bruxing).

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that helps toalleviate pain such as migraine headache by properly positioning thelower jaw and increasing the blood flow through the temporomandibularartery and associated circulatory and nerve systems.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that allows awoman to increase the force with which she bears down during laborcontractions, without harming the teeth and associated oral structures.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that it assistsin the rehabilitation process of recovering from injury or heart attacksby increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that itincreases consciousness and is believed to have a systemic action thatcan alter non-voluntary reactions to external stimuli to make theappliance wearer more conscientious, focused, awake and ready.

Another object and advantage is that the present invention reducessnoring by moving the condyle forward and further opening up the airwaypassage.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that it has atough, rubbery, elastomeric, unpenetrable bottom layer or traction padengaging and gripping the lower teeth which prevents the appliance frombeing chewed through and assures long life to the appliance.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that it has asecond layer of a non-softenable, flexible material. This material isextended in a serpentine bridge and cross-cantilever connectors thatsupports the appliance after heating to maintain shape and guides theupper teeth during the fitting process.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that it has athird layer of a hard, very durable material that acts as a bite plate,reverse wedge or fulcrum that cannot be penetrated by the teeth, givingthe appliance a longer life cycle.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that theocclusal pads and the adjustable arch are preferably made of a fourthlayer of a softenable material which will permit the user to refit theappliance should the appliance not originally fit properly.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that the fourthlayer has been extended over the second and third layers and providesfor the formation of a smooth, labial wall, greatly increasing comfortand avoiding sharp edges. This allows the user to manipulate thesoftenable material and custom fabricate a labial wall that willaccommodate any tooth width and palate depth or height.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is thateliminating a rigid labial wall also decreases the amount of materialbetween the teeth and cheek, making the appliance more comfortable andless intrusive and cumbersome. Less material also makes the applianceless visible and bulky in the wearer's mouth. Furthermore, the absenceof a rigid labial wall results in less pressure and squeezing on theteeth, improving comfort and fit.

Another object and advantage is that the arch is dramatically cantedforwardly toward the anterior teeth of the upperjaw, greatly increasingcomfort and reducing gagging and speech impediment.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that ananti-microbial and/or anti-bacterial ingredient keeps the appliance freeof germs or odor causing microbials and bacteria during non-use andstorage.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is that themechanically interlocked four materials will not separate with use orchewing by the user which is common with athletes. This secure interlockof the materials is further supported by heat, pressure and ultimatecompatible chemical bonding.

Another object and advantage is that the wearer of the applianceexperiences decreased heart rate and quicker recovery during aerobicexercise and activity.

Another object and advantage is that wearing the present inventionincreases dopamine concentration for increased motor activity.

Another object and advantage is that the appliance is ideal for healthand wellness, birthing, industrial, dental, bruxing, exercise, awarenessand athletic competition and protection.

Another object and advantage is that the Belvedere bridge, Crosscantilever connectors and occlusal pad plates of the non-softening butflexible framework maintains appliance shape during heating and fittingand permits expansion and contraction to fit any teeth and palate.

Other objects and advantages will become obvious with the reading of thefollowing specification and appended claims with a review of thefigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a maxillary mandibular buccal or partial side elevational viewof the jaws and temporomandibular joint of the user of the dentalappliance of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the temporomandibular joint portion ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but shows the dental appliance of thepresent invention in place;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dental appliance of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view partially broken away of the dentalappliance of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view with the fourth arch material inphantom outline of the dental appliance of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the dental appliance of the presentinvention in place in the mouth;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the dental appliance of thepresent invention in place in the mouth;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the dental appliance of the presentinvention taken at approximately the lines 8—8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9—9 of FIG. 4partially broken away at the arch;

FIG. 9a is an enlarged, detailed and broken away view of theinterlocking projections 77;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 10—10 of FIG. 4partially broken away showing the interlocking projections;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 with the posterior teeth fitted tothe appliance;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view partially broken away showing anothertraction pad configuration;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing another traction padconfiguration; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view collectively showing three differentform-fitted appliances for different people made from the sameinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

To understand the structural features and benefits of the dentalappliance 70 of the present invention, some anatomy will first bedescribed. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the user or athlete has a mouth10 generally comprised of a rigid upper jaw 12 and a moveable lower jaw42 which are movably connected at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) 32and 50.

More specifically, the rigid upper jaw 12 has gum tissue 14 within mouth10. Gum tissue 14, as well as the bone thereunder, supports anteriorteeth (incisors and canines) 18 which have incisal or biting surfaces19. The gum tissues 14 and the bone thereunder also support posteriorteeth (molars and bicuspids) 22 which have cusps or biting surfaces 26.

Referring to one side of the human head, the temporal bone 28 is locatedupwardly and rearwardly of the upper jaw 12 and is in the range of{fraction (1/16)} to {fraction (1/32)} inch thick. The articulareminence 30 forms the beginning of the fossae 32 or the socket of thetemporomandibular joint 32 and 50.

Rearwardly and posteriorly to the articular eminence 30 is locatedcartilage 34. Through the temporomandibular joint 32 and 50 pass theauriculo-temporalis nerve 36 and the supra-temporo artery 38.Posteriorly to this structure is located the inner ear 40. Within themouth is located tongue 39 and the roof or hard palate 41, whichterminates rearwardly into the soft palate and forwardly into theanterior palate or ruggae 43. The ruggae 43 has a ribbed surface whichis identifiable by fingers or tongue 39.

The movable jaw or mandible 42 supports a bone covered by gum tissue 44which further supports anterior teeth (incisors and canines) 46 withincisal or biting surfaces 47 and posterior teeth (molars and bicuspids)48 with occlusal biting surfaces 49. The condyle 50 of the lower jaw 42forms the ball of the temporomandibular joint 32 and 50. The anatomicalstructure is the same for both sides of the head.

Repeated impacts, collisions, blows, stress or forces exerted on themovable lower jaw 42 result in excessive wearing forces upon the condyle50 and the cartilage, meniscus, or disc 34—typically resulting in bonedeterioration on the head of the condyle or slippage and compressivedamage of the cartilage 34. Thereafter, the lower jaw 42 may be subjectto irregular movement, pain, loss of comfortable range of movement andclicking of the joint 32 and 50.

The auriculo-temporalis nerve 36 relates to both sensory and motoractivity of the body. Any impingement or pinching of this nerve 36 canresult in health problems as previously mentioned. The supra-temporalartery 38 is important in that it provides blood circulation to portionsof the head. Impingement, pinching, rupture or blockage of this artery38 will result in possible loss of consciousness and reduced physicalability and endurance due to the restriction of blood flow to portionsof the brain. Thus, it is extremely important to assure that the condyle50 does not impinge upon the auriculo-temporalis nerve 36 or thesupra-temporal artery 38.

It is also important to note that the temporal bone 28 is not too thickin the area of the glenoid fossae. Medical science has known that asharp shock, stress, or concussive force applied to the lower jaw 42possibly could result in the condyle 50 protruding through the glenoidfossae of the temporal bone 28, thereby causing death. There is a sutureline (growth and development seam) in the glenoid fossae, resulting in apossible weakness in the fossae in many humans. This incident rarely,but sometimes, occurs with respect to boxing athletes.

The dental appliance of the present invention is shown in the Figures asreference numeral 70.

The dental appliance 70 has a pair of quadruple-composite occlusal pads72, comprised of four layers of distinct materials 74, 80, 90 and 100.Each pad may or may not have a preformed moldable labial or buccal wall82 (present in FIGS. 3, 8 and 10). The absence of a rigid labial wallassures comfortable fitting for any width of mouth and posterior teeth22.

The materials may have antimicrobial or antibacterial agents added.Swiss made Triclosan® by Siba Giegy or Microban® by Microban ofHuntersville, North Carolina 20808 are acceptable agents.

The traction pads or first layer 74 contacts and grips the occlusalbiting surfaces 49 of the posterior teeth 48 of the lower jaw and iscomposed of a durable, resilient material which deforms somewhat whenthe jaws are closed and cushions the teeth 48 of the lower jaw.

The durable, resilient material of the first layer 74 comprises amixture of a styrene block copolymer and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Asuitable styrene block copolymer is available as DYNAFLEX® part numberG2782 from GLS Corporation, Thermoplastic Elastomers Division, 833Ridgeview Dr., McHenry, Ill. 60050. EVA is available from a number ofsources, such as the ELVAX® resins from Dupont Packaging and IndustrialPolymers, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Del. 19898. It is desirablethat the durable, resilient material have a Shore “A” hardness of 82,which is very durable, yet rubbery.

In a second embodiment, the durable, resilient material of the firstlayer 74 comprises a mixture of a styrene block copolymer as describedabove and a polyolefin elastomer. Preferably, the polyolefin elastomeris a copolymer of ethylene and octene-1. A suitable copolymer isavailable as ENGAGE® from Dupont Canada, Inc., P.O. Box 2200,Streetsville, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2H3.

In a third embodiment, the durable, resilient material of the firstlayer 74 comprises a mixture of a thermoplastic rubber and a polyolefinelastomer as described above. Suitable thermoplastic rubbers areSantoprene® from Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P., 388 South MainStreet, Akron, Ohio 44311 and Kraton® thermoplastic rubber from theShell Oil Company, Houston, Tex. Kraton® is composed of astyrene-ethylene/butylenes-styrene block copolymer and otheringredients. The composition of Santoprene® is a trade secret.

The second layer 80 is composed of a non-softenable, flexible materialthat rigidly holds its shape in hot water and will not melt duringmolding of succeeding materials 90 and 100. Polypropylene (co-polymer)is suitable. Polypropylene part number AP6112-HS from HuntsmanCorporation, Chesapeake, Va. 23320, has a melting point of 386° F. Thesecond layer includes a connected framework 80 including the pad plate82, cross-cantilevered connectors 86 and the serpentine Belvedere bridge88.

The third layer 90 is comprised of a hard, very durable material.High-density polyethylene is a typical material. A suitable high-densitypolyethylene is HD-6706 ESCORENE® Injection Molding Resin fromExxonMobil Chemical Company, P.O. Box 3272, Houston, Tex. 77253-3272.This material is a linear polyethylene or ethylene-olefin copolymer. Thethird layer must be hard enough so that it cannot be penetrated by theteeth under maximum biting pressure and thereby forms a bite plate 90.

The fourth arch layer 100 comprises a softenable material contacting theteeth of the upper jaw and encapsulating the framework 80, bite plate 90and partially the traction pads 74. Typically, the material issoftenable by heat.

In one embodiment, the softenable material of the fourth layer 100comprises a mixture of polycaprolactone. A suitable polycaprolactone isTone™ Polymer P-767 from Union Carbide Corporation, 39 Old RidgeburyRoad, Danbury, Conn. 06817-0001.

In a second embodiment, the softenable material of the fourth layer 100comprises a mixture of polycaprolactone and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)such as ELVAX®.

In a third embodiment, the softenable material of the fourth layer 100comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) alone, such as ELVAX®.

In a fourth embodiment, the softenable material of the fourth layer 100comprises a mixture of polycaprolactone and a polyolefin elastomer.Preferably, the polyolefin elastomer is a copolymer of ethylene andoctene-1. A suitable copolymer is available as ENGAGE®. from DupontCanada, Inc., P.O. Box 2200, Streetsville, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2H3.

As can be seen best in FIG. 8, the softenable material of the fourthlayer 100 extends downwardly over encapsulating the second and thirdlayers, forming the labial wall 82 of the appliance and leaving only thetread 76 of traction pads 74 exposed.

The four layers are bonded together. In addition, the bite plate 90 andframework 80 are further interlocked with the first layer 74 byprojections 77 in the first layer mating with apertures 94 in the biteplate.

The dental appliance 70 further comprises a continuous vertical arch 100open anteriorly and posteriorly, extending from the fourth layer 100 ofthe occlusal pads 72 and constructed from the softenable material of thefourth layer 100. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the arch 100 is cantedforwardly from the occlusal pads 72 toward the anterior teeth 18 of theupper jaw 12, so that the arch 100 contacts the upper jaw 12 adjacentthe gum tissue 14 of the anterior teeth 18 at the ruggae or anteriorpalate 43. The arch 100 is adapted to expand and contract to be moldedto the anterior palate 43 and adapted to lie along the anterior palateout of the way of the tongue and extending directly across to andconnecting the pads 72 together within the mouth and out of the way ofthe tongue to maintain the positions of the occlusal pads within themouth and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. The archfourth material 100 forms tooth channel 102 with central raised portion104, labial wall 106 and lingual wall 108.

A tunnel 110 (FIG. 8) extends beneath the arch 86 and is defined by thearch 100 and the lingual walls 108. The tunnel 110 is open anteriorlyand posteriorly to allow unobstructed movement of the tongue 39anteriorly and posteriorly.

The framework 80 of the dental appliance 70 further preferably comprisesa serpentine Belevedere bridge 88 embedded within the softenablematerial of the arch 100. The bridge 88 is expandable and contractible,thereby following the arch 100 as it is molded to the palate. Also, thebridge 88 does not soften as much as the arch 100 during heating, andtherefore prevents the arch 100 from collapsing during the fittingprocess described below. The bridge 88 is preferably comprised of thenon-softening material of the second layer 80 and is continuous with theCross-cantilever connectors 86 which is connected to the occlusal padplates 82. Thus, the appliance does not go limp upon heating as itsshape is supported by the bridge 88, connectors 86 and pad plate 82.

To create the dental appliance 70 of the present invention, the secondlayer framework 80 is formed, including the occlusal pad plate 82 withopenings 84 therethrough. Cross-cantilevered connectors 86 connect alongthe length of the pad plate 82 and join up with the serpentineBelevedere bridge 88 to give the appliance 70 rigidity while yetpermitting the appliance to expand and contract laterally and upwardlyas will be appreciated (see arrows in FIG. 4). Next, the third layerbite plate or reverse wedge 90 is formed having bosses or raisedportions 92 on their underside along with apertures 94 extendingtherethrough. Next, the bite plate 90 has its bosses indexed into theopenings 84 of the framework pad plate 82. The first layer traction padsare next formed with their locking knobs 76 extending up throughopenings 84 and apertures 94 locking the first 74, second 80, and third90 layers together. Lastly, the fourth layer arch 100 is formed aroundthe entire dental appliance 70, excepting the tread portion 76 of thetraction pad 74. Tooth channel 102 was formed along with central raisedportion 104, labial or buckle wall 106 and lingual or inner wall 108.Tunnel 110 is thus formed thereunder.

To prevent the traction pads 74 from shearing away from the bite plate90, the projection 77 further comprises a curved portion 78 and therebycapturing and interlocking pads 74, framework 80 and bite plate 90.Preferably, the curved portion 78 is convex relative to the central axisX1, as shown in the Figures. This construction deters shearing.

To further lock the traction pad 74 to the framework 80, a lip orretaining lid 79 integral with the traction pad 74 wraps over the padplate 82 of the framework 80 like the lid of a bucket and thereby holdsthe appliance together as shown in FIGS. 9-11.

To fit the dental appliance 70 to the user's mouth, the dental appliance70 is placed in hot water at about 212° Fahrenheit (i.e., water that hasbeen brought to a boil and then taken off the heat) for about 15seconds. The dental appliance is then removed from the hot water, and itwill be very soft, but the framework 80 will hold the appliance'sgeneral shape. Excess water is allowed to drain off the appliance 70 byholding it with a spoon so that the walls 108 of the appliance 70 do nottouch (they will stick to each other if brought together and will bevery difficult to separate).

Next, the wearer carefully places the appliance 70 in the mouth so thatthe anterior portion of the appliance 70 touches or covers the eye teeth(the third set of teeth from the front) and extends backwards toward themolars, bites down firmly on the appliance 70 and pushes the tongueagainst the roof of the mouth. The Cross cantilevered connectors guidethe upper molars 22 into position on pads 72. With a strong suckingmotion, the wearer draws out all air and water from the appliance 70.The projections or knobs 77 will index to the cusps of the molars 22.

With a thumb, the wearer presses the appliance 70 tight against the roofof the mouth and then uses his hands and fingers to press the outside ofthe cheeks against the appliance 70, as the fourth layer of raisedportion 104 oozes inwardly and outwardly to form the lingual and buccalwalls 108 and 106 respectively. Because there is no rigid lingual wall,the appliance 70 will fit any width of molar 22 or mouth.

The wearer retains the appliance 70 in the mouth for at least one minuteand, with the appliance 70 still in the mouth, takes a drink of coldwater. Next, the wearer removes the appliance 70 from the mouth andplaces it in cold water for about 30 seconds.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; therefore,the illustrated embodiment should be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appendedclaims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope ofthe invention.

We claim:
 1. A performance enhancing and force absorbing dentalappliance, comprising: (a) a pair of posterior occlusal pads; (b) anarch connecting the pads; and (c) an anti-microbial additive in the padsand arch.